Events with tag - Ancient Architecture

3101 BC

Founding of Memphis

Establishment of Memphis, the first capital of unified ancient Egypt, by King Menes around 3100 BCE. Located at the strategic junction of Upper and Lower Egypt, it served as the primary administrative, religious, and commercial center of ancient Egyptian civilization.

January 1, 2056 BC

Temple of Karnak Construction Begins

Construction of the Temple of Karnak, ancient Egypt's most magnificent religious complex, began under Pharaoh Senusret I. Starting as a modest shrine to Amun-Ra, it evolved over 2,000 years into a vast 200-acre religious center featuring massive pylons, grand halls, and intricate religious architecture.

January 1, 1601 BC

Ancient City of Mycenae

Mycenae, established around 1600 BCE, was a mighty fortress city that dominated Bronze Age Greece. Located in the northeastern Peloponnese, it featured impressive cyclopean walls, the iconic Lion Gate, and sophisticated urban planning, serving as the heart of Mycenaean civilization until its decline around 1100 BCE.

January 1, 1540 BC

Valley of the Kings Establishment

The Valley of the Kings became ancient Egypt's premier royal burial ground in 1539 BCE, marking a revolutionary shift from pyramid tombs to hidden rock-cut chambers. Located in Luxor's western desert, this necropolis was chosen for its natural limestone cliffs and isolated location.

January 1, 801 BC

Establishment of Roman Forum

The Roman Forum's transformation from a marshy valley into ancient Rome's civic center began in the 8th century BCE, marking the foundation of what would become the heart of Roman civilization.

January 1, 601 BC

Establishment of Circus Maximus

The Circus Maximus, ancient Rome's largest sporting venue, was established around 600 BCE under King Tarquinius Priscus. Located between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it evolved from a simple dirt track to a massive stone structure capable of holding 250,000 spectators.

December 17, 498 BC

Temple of Saturn

The Temple of Saturn, consecrated in 497 BCE, was one of ancient Rome's most important religious monuments serving as both a sacred shrine and state treasury. Located at the western end of the Roman Forum, its eight remaining columns still stand today as a testament to Roman architectural brilliance.

April 7, 332 BC

Founding of Alexandria

Alexander the Great founded Alexandria on April 7, 331 BCE, establishing what would become the largest city in the ancient world and a vital cultural bridge between Greek and Egyptian civilizations.

January 1, 301 BC

Establishment of the Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria, established around 300-290 BCE under Ptolemy I Soter, became the ancient world's largest library and research institution, housing over 500,000 scrolls at its peak.

January 1, 286 BC

Great Library of Alexandria

The Great Library of Alexandria was established around 285 BCE as the ancient world's largest library and research institution. Located in Alexandria, Egypt, it housed up to 500,000 scrolls and attracted leading scholars from across the Mediterranean region.

July 1, 80

Completion of the Roman Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum, an architectural marvel of the ancient world, was completed in 80 CE under Emperor Titus after eight years of construction. This massive amphitheater could hold 50,000 spectators and featured innovative engineering solutions including three levels of arcades and complex underground systems.

January 1, 122

Construction of Hadrian's Wall Begins

Emperor Hadrian orders the construction of a massive defensive wall spanning 73 miles across northern Britain, marking the northernmost boundary of Roman Britain. The project employed 15,000 soldiers and took six years to complete.

January 1, 216

Opening of the Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla, one of ancient Rome's most magnificent architectural achievements, opened in 216 AD. This massive complex spanning 25 hectares could accommodate 1,600 bathers and featured bathing facilities, libraries, gymnasiums, and gardens.

March 23, 1900

Discovery of Palace of Knossos

Sir Arthur Evans began systematic excavations of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, revealing one of the most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites in the Mediterranean region. The massive complex spanned 150,000 square feet and provided unprecedented insights into ancient Minoan civilization.